Manchester United legend and Wales manager Ryan Giggs has likened summer signing Daniel James to former Red Devils’ superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.
Former Manchester United superstar Ryan Giggs has claimed that summer signing Daniel James reminds him of a young Cristiano Ronaldo due to his attitude on the field as reported by the Mirror.
James arrived at Manchester United from EFL Championship side Swansea City and has been a huge hit at Old Trafford early in his career. The winger, who turned 22 on Sunday, has chipped in with 3 goals and assists apiece in 16 games for the Red Devils and has generally been their most consistent player in a rather turbulent season.
The Wales international, during his time with Manchester United, has been on the receiving end of some strong challenges by opposition defenders who have found it difficult to cope with his pace and dribbling abilities. But, James has shown the right attitude, getting back up and getting on with things after being fouled, which has led to praise from Giggs.
The Manchester United legend, who is James’ national team manager, has likened the winger’s mentality to another former Red Devils’ star Cristiano Ronaldo, who also had to go through similar trials when he arrived at the club.
“Dan takes a lot of knocks but gets up, gets on with it and demands the ball back. Ronaldo, especially earlier on in his career, took a lot of knocks and would still demand the ball. It shows huge bravery. Dan’s a fantastic character and great professional,” Giggs said.
“It was a physical game. You’ve got to stand up for yourself. You’ve got to trust in the referee as well that he protects the players. Over the years forwards have been more and more protected. But we have a few players who receive nasty treatment because of the quality they possess.”
The former Manchester United superstar showered further praise on the young winger, claiming that he will only get better from hereon.
“United fans like players who like to attack, who gets the fans off their feet — and he’s somebody who does that. With the form he’s in, he has been outstanding and a constant threat. He’s added goals and assists, which is a wingers’ game. He will get better and better — and I’m pleased for him,” Giggs concluded.
There is no questioning the impact that James has had since joining Manchester United this past summer. The 22-year-old has been quite the revelation in his short stint at the club and fans will be hoping that he goes on to emulate someone like Ronaldo and has a successful career at Old Trafford.
